FISHING

FISHING All about fly rods at Books and Hooks shop Books and Hooks fly shop in Girard will host Friday education sessions on fly fishing rods with Gerald "Jerry" Darkes, Scott Rod representative presenting a free seminar April 26 from 2 to 7 p.m. Subjects covered are: How rods are made, what to look for in a rod, what makes rods different, and how to make a rod selection. Darkes will have a repeating slide presentation and discussion. Also, there will be time allowed for you to discuss your individual questions on a one-on-one basis. Of course, general fly fishing questions will surface since Darkes has vast experience as a guide. Darkes has three videos on fly fishing in our area, the latest being "Chasing Silver". Others are "Steelheading Made Simple" and Cool Flies for Hot Fish". Darkes is a field editor for Midwest Fly Fishing magazine and has had articles published in American Angler, Fly Tyer, Wild Salmon and Steelhead and others. Books and Hooks is in the former Maple Avenue Elementary School building at the end of Maple Avenue in Girard, one block south of the I-80 exit. Phone for specific directions (330-545-1906). BOATING Watercraft checks setat local launch ramps The Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Watercraft will be making checks of boaters at Lake Milton, Mosquito Creek Lake and Berlin Reservoir next weekend. Division officers will be checking boaters for improperly loaded and overloaded boats from 8 to 10 a.m. at the Mosquito State Park marina ramp, Milton State Park ramp, and at the Bonner Road ramp at Berlin. PENNSYLVANIA Annual Shenango Lake launch passes available Annual launch passes are available for $25 at the Shenango Lake resource managers office, 2442 Kelly Road in Hermitage from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. A driver's license and registration card of the tow vehicle are required. Pavilion is ready A pavilion is now available for use in the Clark Recreation Area. The structure is located adjacent to restrooms and is accessible for those with disabilities. Other pavilions are also available, including five in the Mahoney Recreation Area and one within the Shenango Recreation Area. The pavilions can be reserved for $40. Call (724) 962-7746 for information. Campground open The Shenango Campground will open for the season on May 10. Reservations for select campsites can be made by calling (877) 444-6777 or via the Internet at www.reserveusa.com. Full payment is required at time of reservation and Visa, AMEX, Mastercard and Discover cards accepted.